unplanned

adjective

un·​planned ˌən-ˈpland 

: not expected or intended : not planned

an unplanned detour

an unplanned pregnancy

Synonyms of unplanned

• accidental
• unexpected

Examples of unplanned in a Sentence

an unplanned change in our itinerary—we got lost!

stumbled through a completely unplanned acceptance speech

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this year, tariff refunds provided a temporary cost buffer for Home Depot, but company executives noted that these gains are expected to be offset by unplanned spikes in fuel, energy, and other input costs. — CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026

His storytelling wanders us through the city, from one seemingly unplanned pocket of interest to another—what a media or urban critic (and Wilson is both) might call a dérive. — Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 18 Sep. 2026

The report then arrives as unplanned work, loses every priority fight and becomes audit evidence. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

These are the components where a single failure can generate a four- or five-figure unplanned expense — and where the risk transfer value of a warranty is most pronounced. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unplanned

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland